Sports
After 36 Years, Argentina Win First World Cup
Argentina have won their first World Cup in 36 years and some months after defeating France 4-2 (3–3 after extra time) in a penalty shoot-out to win the World Cup for the third time in Qatar on Sunday.
The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes but Lionel Messi poked in a goal to put Argentina 3-2 ahead in the 108th minute before Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick two minutes before the end of extra-time.
READ ALSO: List Of World Cup Winners
This is Argentina’s third World Cup trophy from six final appearances in history after defeating defending champions France to win the biggest prize in men’s football – with the legend himself getting on the scoresheet twice.
Argentina last won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 and lost in the final three times, but Messi has finally broken the jinx in Qatar.
In a match dominated by attention on Messi and Kylian Mbappé of France, it was Messi’s experience that ruled the day.
Mbappé also netted twice in two minutes late in the second half to force extra time, before completing a World Cup Final hat-trick in the extra period to force the shoot-out.
Mbappé became just the second man in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in the final after Geoff Hurst in 1966 and won the Golden Boot for top goalscorer (8 goals), but ended up on the losing end.
Messi’s double saw him finish the tournament with seven goals and signed off from his World Cup career with a medal.
En route to the final, Lionel Scaloni’s men recovered quickly from their shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening group game before bouncing back, to beat Mexico 2-0 and Poland 2-0 and top Group C.
READ ALSO: Qatar 2022: Mbappe Wins Golden Boot Award
A 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16, survived a penalty shootout against the Netherlands and thrashed 2018 runners-up Croatia 3-0 in the semi-final to reach the final.
It’s been a remarkable World Cup campaign so far for Argentina and Messi.
Messi has now scored 26 goals in major international tournaments for Argentina with 13 World Cup goals, and 13 Copa América goals, to become the most of any South American player in history across the two competitions, overtaking Ronaldo who had 25 goals.
Sports
AFCON: Osimhen Threatens To Dump Super Eagles, Return To Galatasaray
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, reportedly threatened to quit the national team and return to Turkey.
According to Arise News, Osimhen was left fuming following his altercation with Ademola Lookman during the 4-0 win over Mozambique at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
Having scored a brace thanks to assists from Lookman, the 27-year-old lashed out at his team-mate for failing to pass to him in the 64th minute.
READ ALSO:VIDEO: I Handle Pressure With Calm, Focus, Says Osimhen
Osimhen then beckoned on the bench asking to be taken off, before he was replaced by Moses Simon.
At full time, Osimhen stormed out of the stadium and dropped his accreditation card, insisting he was “done” with the national team and wanted to fly back to Turkey.
He was then pacified by senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
Sports
NPFL Announces Resumption Date For Second Stanza
The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has announced a date for the start of the second stanza of the 2025-26 season.
The second stanza will commence on Wednesday, 14 January, 2026.
The fixture will start with mid-week games across all the designated NPFL centers.
READ ALSO:NPFL: Bendel Insurance Announce Departure Of 25 Players
The NPFL disclosed this in a letter addressed to all the clubs.
The league body urged clubs to expect fixtures congestion in the second stanza.
Rivers United occupy top position on the NPFL table with 37 points from 19 matches.
Sports
Chelsea Coach Hails 3 Players For Keeping Team Together After Maresca’s Departure
Chelsea interim coach, Calum McFarlane has hailed three Blues players for keeping the team together after Enzo Maresca departed from the Premier League west London club.
Speaking after Chelsea’s recent Premier League 1-1 draw with Manchester City, McFarlane lauded Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Enzo Fernandez for their leadership and unifying influence in the Blues’ squad.
“I think it is a good moment to speak about the players. This is not an easy job,” McFarlane told reporters after the match.
READ ALSO:EPL: Mikel Obi Reveals Why Chelsea Failed To Beat Arsenal in 1-1 Draw
“There is a lot of change that has gone on. Enzo was incredibly successful with this group. Some of them were shocked by the decision to sack Maresca.
“The character that they have shown today. Reece is a big one. Reece, Tosin and Enzo have really dragged the group together.”
Chelsea’s next Premier League tie is against Fulham on Wednesday.
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